Mikel Arteta warns Arenal must be ‘aware’ of knock to Gabriel Magalhaes on Brazil duty but plays down concerns over Bukayo Saka’s fitness ahead of Everton clash

Mikel Arteta has warned that Arsenal may have to be careful of star defender Gabriel Magalhaes in the coming weeks, after the centre-back suffered a knock while on Brazil duty.

Gabriel had been surprisingly omitted from Arteta’s team sheets at the start of the season, with the Spaniard choosing Thomas Partey at right-back with Ben White alongside William Saliba in the middle.

Against Manchester United, however, the Brazilian was back to partner Saliba for a 3-1 victory for the Gunners in a dramatic clash at the Emirates.

Gabriel was taken off late in a 5-1 win over Bolivia during the international break, before being seen with an ice pack on his thigh.

However, he played the full 90 minutes against Peru four days later, apparently recovering from a slight problem.

The defender was seen with an ice pack on his thigh after being substituted against Bolivia.

However, he played the full 90 minutes of his team’s 1–0 win over Peru four days later.

“We always try to check the players and understand what happened,” Arteta said when asked about any concerns over Gabriel’s fitness.

“We had good contact with the national team and Gabi had a little problem, but then he managed to play the second match.

“So that’s something we’ll obviously have to be aware of for the next stretch of matches.”

Everton are the Gunners’ next opponents, who are yet to lose at the start of the season after three wins and a draw against Fulham.

A key part of what has made the Gunners so impressive over the last 12 months has been the rapid and continued rise of Bukayo Saka.

Fans may have been concerned when he appeared to struggle during England’s recent 1-1 draw with Ukraine, but Arteta has since allayed those concerns, saying the player has returned to training Normally.

“He’s fine, he trained normally today. There is nothing to report. Every player has pain or problems. But (there is) no reason to worry.

Although the Gunners have entered the transfer market to twice strengthen their midfield this summer with the signings of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, it is another central player who could return to the fold soon enough.

Bukayo Saka appeared to struggle against Ukraine for England but Arteta revealed he trained normally

Long-serving Arsenal midfielder Mo Elneny could soon make his return as he recovers from a long-term knee injury.

Mohamed Elneny is now Arsenal’s longest-serving player, but he has been out with a long-term knee injury since January.

“He trained with us, he had a little problem with his hamstring a few weeks ago and he is back in training now,” said the Spanish coach, when asked about the Egyptian prop.

“Obviously this is a long-term injury, the final stages of this rehab from time to time, it’s about building momentum and game time with him.

“I always said he was our glue player, he’s the one who brings everyone together, who brings everyone together, he’s a really important player for me in the team and I’m delighted to have him. ‘to have.”